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Lea Dennie serves to start another game. As u.sual, the volleyball team had a successful year, and several players received All-Amcrican and conference hon ors. See Volleyball, p. 166.

144 SPORTS DIVISION

Place kicker Joe Wood sel records in both field goal yardage and extra point percentage. Kicking against Utah, he added a career-high 49 yard field goal to his list. See football, page 150.

.ii a meet

Jason Marshall launches the javelin

by USAFA. Marshall and another javelin

hosted

thrower,

lor the team Sterling Tree, will be returning to throw 202. (B. Mir.nd�> next year. See Men's Track, page

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their own commodity, but many personal cadets chose to sacrifice it on the fields of friendly strife. Inter collegiate athletes practiced over three hours a day in addition to their military and academic commitments. The many demands on the intercol legiates' practice time put him at a disadvantage compared to civilian

One

/

of the

biggest sacrifices cadets make

time. Time

to

oneself was

is

to

give

up

a rare

teams.

But often the sacrifice 1 990 Falcon football

Bowl, but came out with

a

off in the form of moral advantage. The dubbed a fluke going into the 1 99 1 Liberty

paid

team was

landmark victory

over

1 Oth

ranked Ohio State.

If not part of a varsity team, cadets were still required to participate in sports in the form of intramurals. Intramurals were not so time-inten sive, but gave cadets the opportunity to continue the sports they excelled in during high school and to develop the same values of teamwork and effort learned

by varsity players.

For the team, no sacrifice was too great. For the intercollegiate or intramural athlete at the Academy, the team would soon become the Air Force and the mains the

playing

field the Wild Blue Yonder, but the sentiment

re

same.

23'

C4C Michael Cline twists during a floor exercise.

Cline was a top recruit and quickly became a major contributor to the team, bringing home an Academy and Conference record of 9.70 on the floor exer-

SPORTS DIVISION 145

Director of Athletics 146 SPORTS

Colonel John J. Clune

Associate Director of Athletics Colonel Ken Schweitzer

Deputy

Director of Athletics

Colonel Wayne English

If

jT) w .1

1

Director for Education

Deputy

Physical

Colonel Richard A. Wolf

Asst. Director for

Intercollegiate Programs Lt. Colonel James C. Andrus

ATHLETIC STAFF 147

i "Vx i Aďż˝ the Falcons triumph despite the rain CIC Stephanie Konieczny and C4C ': Acjuino watch the game and weath( , storm.

inning the master key to spirit award, Cheerleaders continued support of Academy Athletics

^5-

,^

The 1990-91 athletic

season

be very exciting for the proved cheerleaders. Once again, activi ties in the local area, such as Mall to

pep

rallies,

chance

'This is

gave the cheerleaders

to interact a

very

out \

a

public.

important aspect of remarked Coach

cheerleading."

Mary

with the

Ann Butler when pointing

how crucial it is

port of the det wing.

The

public

to

as

get the sup

well

as

the

ca

hours before kickoff at the pregame activities, and wraps up seven hours later with the post game ac tivities. The most exciting game of the

season

was,

by far, the Liberty

Bo.vl. That outstanding game brought an incredible Falcon foot ball

season to an

ents.

time

CIC Leslie Beavers said

that,

when the cheerleaders attended

"At basketball games the cheer leaders are better able to interact

the National Cheerleaders Associ

with the crowd and

began

season

ation camp in

in

August

Murfreesboro,

can

up."

Although football and basket ball take up most of the squad's time, they are not the only sports attended. Appearances at numer ous other Academy team competi tions are considered crucial. Sup port for programs such

end.

football had ended, basketball was in full swing. It too had its share of exhilarating mom

By the

them fired

really

men's

soccer,

the cheerleaders is to support the of Academy ath

Academy and all letics.

get

Ten '.,k ;."iS2asiiSEaffls^.

This is a college camp with schools from across the nation at nessee.

\

as

volleyball and ice hockey are just a few examples.

It should be noted that the goal of

and women's

,

tending. After

a week of intense training and competition, Air

Force

was

rewarded with the Mas

Spirit award. This award highest honor be stowed upon a cheerleading squad at the camp, primarily because it ter

is

Key

to

considered the

recognizes the

team

presents the ideal

r^ 1^

that best

re

cheerleading

ďż˝

V

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squad.

Immediately after camp, the sea son moved into high gear. A typical football game day begins three

X

1^

t H

m In an attempt to raise the spirit of the crowd, CIC Lourdes Fallace and C3C

Englert cheer on our Falcons against the Cougars of BYU. Sloane

148 SPORTS

One of the

leading

is

most

difficult aspects of cheer- 1

maintaining perfect

form

in>|

Here, CIC Stephanie Konieczny ''''I monstrates the perfect form as she is t* J toss.

sed into the air by her

teanunates.

23'

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ir'^ fo

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i

alcons lose in final minutes to CSU, but triumph over Hawaii in the next contest CSU 35, AFA 33: You couldn't ask for more from a season opener except an Air Force victory.

The season opener against Colorado State was as exciting and as close as one would expect. The game was decided with only one minute left.

The Falcons had amassed a 26-12 lead in the third quarter but would crumble under a new threat, the passing game of CSU's Kevin Verdigo. The Rams elected in the third quarter to let their bench quarterback have a chance at it.

The backup quarterback hit ten straight passes and stunned a confused Falcon defense.

However, the game was not a big disappointment. The Air Force defense discovered some young tal ent in their lineup in corner back Carlton McDonald and halfback DeShawn Durham. McDonald blocked three kicks and intercep ted once while Durham totalled .

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.

.

ninety yards in six carries.

The game also marked the first start for quarterback Ron Gray, who threw 5-13-1 for 63

yards.

points that Hawaii would

The loss snapped a seven-year winning streak against Colorado State.

their side of the scoreboard.

The Falcons' defensive effort was the best since they joined the �WAC in 1980, marking the first time that the Falcons did not give

AFA 27, Hawaii 3: The next week Air Force showed their ability to shut down the offense against Hawaii. The Falcons mercifully al lowed Hawaii to get three points on their first possession and then went to

work.

These would be the only

.see

on

touchdown.

The offense was a perfect match for this defensive effort.

Senior Rodney Lewis ran for 84 yards, putting him in eleventh place in AFA rushing history with 379 yards. up

a

In addition, place kicker J. Wood kicked two field goals

him into 6th place in Ac; a total of fourtei field goals. This performance distinguishes Wood as the Falcons' all time leader in field goal percent 824. age with Wood also kicked three suesue cessful extra points, placing him fifth and fourth places respecti' for a total of 52 points and a move

emy

history with

.

percentage.

I _

II

Cornerback Carlton MacDonald, #3, blocks the first of two punts, leading to ten Falcon points early on. (S. Tree)

23'

i

Quarterback Rob Perez, #, 7 attempts an unusual play for the Falcons the forward pass. Air Force managed to pass for 93 yards against Notre Dame. (A. Wesem -

ann)

take first step toward Com mander-in-Chief's trophy but suffer brutal loss to Irish aicons

*�?�,

;^'

The first step in retaining the coveted Commander-in-Chief Trophy began for the Falcons with a 24-7 victory over the United States Naval cons

The Fal

Academy. have defeated Navy eight

consecutive times since 1982.

Air Force's Mike

used the

advantage of four Mid

and kicker Joe Wood's lethal foot to secure their ninth straight victory over Navy and to make a bid for their sixth

shipmen

turnovers

Commander-in-Chief

trophy.

As usual the Falcon defense

career

best.

The Navy game set the record for attendance at Falcon Stadium

with 50, 821. The

following week,

Air Force

to

was

guest

the National

Championship contenders, Notre Dame. This

was to

be the Falcons

performed amazingly, holding twentieth game versus the Fighting blocked a Navy punt in the open Navy to 31 yards rushing. On the Irish. Notre Dame, known for their that led attack C2C Joe Wood managed size and strength and speed used minutes of the game ing three field goals of 32, 34, and 47 everything they had to render the to an Air Force touchdown and set the tone of the game. The Falcons yards. The 47 yarder equalled his Falcons a heart-wrenching defeat.

Rodgers

Defensive back Carlton McDonald,

*

re- 1 attempts to crush a squid. McDonald ceived an honorable mention to the AH- J WAC team. (A. Wesemann)

to the game, cadets send message to the sea of blue during

Prior on.

a

march-

(A. Wesemann)

M

154 SPORTS

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FOOTBALL 155

^r^

tes fall

I in grand fashion to

overpowering Falcons

AFA 52. Utah 2 1 The Falcons ab solutely destroyed the Utah Utes .

for the 6th consecutive time.

The Falcons would jump

out

3 1 -0 lead after the tirst quarter second highest in Air Force histo

Berry's coaching. The Falcons on to win the game by a 31 point margin; the largest in his

would go tory

to a -

ry.

They would then

score

two

bring the

more

score

up

continue

touchdowns to

in

against the Utes.

to

rushed for 131

to

touchdowns. Quarterback Rob Pe rez added 74 more yards to the tally and help the Falcons to score on

the halftime

mark of 45-7, the most points scored in a half under Fisher De

However, there

highlights

The running game was the key this victory. CIC Rodney Lewis

yards and

rushing yards for the day 403, a season high.

two

their first six possessions. The total

on

were

his

longest

in

He has

now

est

cadet

extra

a

place

kick

extra

point

49 yard field goal, his record.

career, to

become the 3rd

high

the Academy's all time point list with a total of 64. on

He has hit 16 of his last 17 at extra

tempts

other

both defense and of

fense. C2C Joe Wood, er, added another seven attempts and

came to

at

points.

On the defensive side, C3C Jason Bowers blocked a punt in the first quarter. This is the 6th block

by Air Force this season. This would lead

to an

easy Falcon

Also, C2C Shannon

cepted total

two

to

passes which

four this

the first time this

fensive

ple

place

season

over

his

This

was

that

a

de

off multi

the Utes would

the Falcons in

an

overall

record of 4-4, with ence record of 2-3. son

brings

season.

player has picked

passes.

The win

score.

Yates inter

a

sea

confer

Defensive back Shannon Yates, #25, prevents a Utah touchdown. Yates also brought down two interceptions against the Utes. (S. Fisher) Halfback Jason Jones shakes off a tackier as he heads down field for big yardage.

The running game was key to the Fal cons* victory. (S. Fisher)

23'

ďż˝^l

^*Mii^'

fter falling to BYU Falcons bring home Commander-in-Chief's The Falcons lost big to Brig to 7 but came back

Air Force's lone

score came on a

Trophy

game.

The win gave Air Force

yard rush by fullback Jason back-to-back Commander-into defeat Army 15 Jones to cap a two play, 80 yard Chiefs Trophys. The last time any drive. Fullback Rodney Lewis one won back to back was in 1982to 3 and bring back the Command er in Chiefs Trophy for the second moved into seventh place on the 83 when the Falcons swept their year in a row.

Academy's all time rushing list af service academy rivals. It was also the first win at Michie Stadium In the coldest home game of ter running for 25 yards. ham Young 54 the next week

the

by

year, Air

Heisman

Force fell

to

29

The Falcons then traveled

BYU. Led

Trophy winning

quar

terback Ty Detmer, the Cougars amassed overwhelming yardage against the smaller Falcon defense.

Michie Stadium

to

take

on

to

the

Knights of West Point. Un downpour of rain, the Falcons triumphed by playing strong all Black

der a

since

1982. The victory put Air at 5 wins and 5

Force's record

losses and also put them back in for a bowl bid.

contention

The Falcon defense hnes up against Heis man Trophy winner Ty Detmer and the BYU offense. Although the Falcons gave up much yardage to the Cougars they played hard all game despite the cold weather. (C. Harris)

Outside linebacker Vergil Simpson, #97 warms himself while his teammates give him encouragement. The game against BYU was the coldest of the year with temperatures below freezing. (S. Tree)

158 BYU/ARMY

23'

Jason Jones,

#iQ runs through Army's defense. In rainy conditions the Falcons offense dominated on their way to a sec ond straight Commander-in-Chiefs Tro

phy. (S. Tree)

J

BYU/Army 159

player looks like he's on the getting sacked by two of the other team's players, but maybe he'U squeeze through.

This Falcon way to

over the line, fullback Jason Jones makes his way toward a touchdown.

PUing

win at UTEP clinches bowl berth

Falcons

A second

ty Bow!

straight trip

was on

to

narrow

the Liber

the line. The Fal

needed a win over UTEP to clinch the bowl berth and winning record.

With all this at stake, one play pretty much made the difference.

The clock showed 1:40 remaining in the game when UTEP's Reggie cons

Barret scored narrow

on a

five-yard

the Falcons' lead

to

run to

14-13.

UTEP decided

to go for two points and the win on the conversion at tempt. The Miners' Barret tried a

was

the reward.

The win against UTEP was a hand-fought one. The Falcons trailed 7-0 after

one

quarter until

Jason Jones finally got AFA on the board with a 53-yard scamper to tie the game. Minutes later DeShawn

Durham scored on a one-yard run give the Falcons a 14-7 halftime lead.

The Falcons' defense continued to

its

tough play just as it did all sea long. Beene, Tokish and fellow

son

firstclassman Brian Hill combined

Falcons' defensive stalwarts Lane

for 2 1 tackles, four losses and three QB sacks. Hill finished the contest

Beene and J. T. Tokish to the victory. Another trip

with 13 tackles to record his third consecutive 100-tackle season.

reverse

and it

was

160 SPORTS

stymied by the

Liberty Bowl

secure

to

the

m

:^^ V\

C3C Chris James gets

a

hand on the OSU

Quarterback.

Linebacker CIC Brian Hill with his fa ther Billy Hill at his side, accepts the Fal cons* defensive MVP honor at midfield following the big upset over the Buck eyes. Hill's father has been the Buckeyes' trainer for 16 years. Hill earned the AFA defensive honor by making a game-high 14 tackles.

.V

ďż˝.

\):' Ki 162 SPORTS

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Following the Air Force Aca demy's big 23-11 upset victory over Ohio State on Dec. 27, 1990 in the 32nd Annual Liberty Bowl, the Church Lady was spotted on the stadium turf muttering her famous line, "isn't that special" "It was a

lion-point underdog and we would have never given up," said wide re ceiver CIC

Jason Crandall.

The Falcons used its patented wishbone offense to gain 265 yards against a Buckeye defense which was ranked fourth in the Big 10 against the rush. The Falcons' de

special win for the Air Force Academy," said head coach Fisher fense, meanwhile, not only kept DeBerry during his post-game re Ohio State out of the end zone un marks. "It was indeed one of the til early in the fourth quarter, but greatest wins in the history of also scored the victory-clinching TD on a 40-yard interception re Academy football."

Prior to the game, the Falcons turn by C3C Carlton McDonald heard and read all the buzzwords with 2:31 left to play in the game.

Falcon quarterback CZC Rob underdogs, mis-match, etc.

Oddsmakers had the Buckeyes fa Perez was named the game's MVP. vored by 17 points the widest He scored on a pair of one-yard very

As the clock winds down, C2C Rob Pe rez paces the sidelines as he waits to get back in action for the Falcons.

ďż˝

ďż˝

margin of any Bowl game.

"It just goes to show you that the 17 -point spread did not mean a rat's butt," said Coach DeBerry to

his

team

after the game.

"They could have made us a mil-

and finished as the game's rusher with 93 yards on 26 carries. Linebacker C 1 C Brian Hill was voted the Falcons' top defen sive star with a game-high 14 tackles. runs

leading

/ I

Head coach Fisher DeBerry addresses the crowd after receiving the Liberty Bowl trophy. (M. Hemandez)